When you meet someone new, are you able to smile confidently as you introduce yourself? According to a survey published by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly half of adults (48%) believe that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone. However, if you have chipped or stained teeth, you may not have the confidence to make a good first impression. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can dramatically transform your smile and boost your self-esteem. But which treatment is right for you? A cosmetic dentist in Pittsburgh highlights the benefits and differences among some of the most popular aesthetic treatments below.
Dental Bonding
Bonding is one of the most affordable ways to make chips, stains, gaps and other dental flaws disappear. When you undergo bonding treatment, your dentist will first apply a composite resin to your teeth. After shaping and polishing the resin to match your surrounding smile, they will then harden the bonding material using a special curing light.
This simple cosmetic procedure is noninvasive and can typically be completed in just a single visit. Other advantages of dental bonding include:
- Fast results
- Painless procedure
- Preserves natural enamel
- Lasts up to 10 years with proper care
Professional Teeth Whitening
Do you usually enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning before work? While caffeine can provide the jolt you need to wake up and face the day, coffee can also stain enamel over time. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can dramatically brighten teeth that have been discolored by coffee and other dark foods and drinks.
There are two main types of professional teeth whitening:
- In-office whitening – With the Zoom! Whitening system, your dentist can turn your teeth up to 10 shades whiter in just a single visit.
- At-home whitening – Over the course of about 14 days, you can brighten your smile at home using custom-fit trays and a special whitening solution provided by a dentist in Pittsburgh.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a versatile cosmetic treatment that can fix a wide range of dental imperfections, including chipped, stained, and gapped teeth. Made from natural-looking porcelain, veneers are basically durable shells that are bonded to the front of teeth.
Veneer treatment is typically completed in just two trips to a dentist’s office. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a tiny layer of enamel and take impressions to send to the dental lab. Once your custom veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist’s office so he or she can bond the veneers to your teeth using a special cement and ultraviolet light.
Major benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Natural appearance
- Brighter smile
- No recovery period
- Average lifespan of 10 to 15 years
Reclaim your confidence with the help of a cosmetic dentist in Pittsburgh! Find out which cosmetic treatment is right for you by scheduling an initial consultation.
About the Author
Dr. John “Jack” Warwick has helped Pittsburgh residents transform their smiles through cosmetic dentistry for over 30 years. He regularly provides veneers, dental bonding, teeth whitening treatment and more at Warwick Dentistry. To learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, visit the Warwick Dentistry website or call 412-391-1130.